Story

Autumn juices: fresh combinations and their health benefits

After a long and hot summer across Australia, the time has finally come where the mornings are getting crisper, the days shorter and we (or I) are no longer working up a sweat by doing nothing before 8am. Where the consensus tends to be that spring is the best time to pick up better health and wellness habits, I am a strong believer that the best time to do this is in fact autumn. Not only do you have time on your side before bikini season, but the gyms aren’t jam packed, there aren’t near as many social commitments (and temptations!) and the seasonal produce is incredibly nutrient rich.

Autumn is also an incredibly important time to strengthen your immune system to prepare for the colder months ahead when respiratory infections are on the rise. Juices are by far the easiest way to provide a boost of energy, immunity and nutrients all with one simple push of a button on the blender. Here are some simple and effective autumn juice recipes using seasonal fruits and vegetables that will assist with any health and wellness transformation.

Carrot and beetroot juice

Beetroots are very high in the immune boosting vitamin C, fiber, and essential minerals like potassium (important for healthy nerve and muscle function) and manganese (great for your bones, liver, kidneys and pancreas). Carrots also boost immunity as well as lowering blood pressure, helping with digestion and aids prevention of longer term health risks like diabetes and cancer

Ingredients

1 beetroot, peeled

4 carrots

2 apples, cored

½ lemon

¼ inch of fresh ginger, peeled

MethodBlend or juice all ingredients together on high.

Nashi pear juice

Nashi pears (also known as Asian pears) are crunchy like an apple with the grainy texture and flavour of a pear. The fruit is very juicy and is a great thirst quencher. Nashi pears contain vitamin K (the pivotal vitamin needed for responding to injuries), vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus (helps to maintain strong bones, boost energy levels and is required for brain function).

Ingredients

2 nashi pears

2 green apples

2-3 ribs of celery

1 lemon

MethodBlend or juice all ingredients together on high. Pour over ice.

Turmeric green juice

Turmeric contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents as well as antibiotic, antiseptic and analgesic properties… basically it’s magic. The root also helps to improve digestion, purifies your blood, lowers cholesterol, heals stomach uclers, prevents gas and bloating, assists with fat metabolism and can clear acne, psoriasis and arthritis, we should basically be sprinkling turmeric on everything.

Spinach and lemon juice

Spinach is high in niacin and zinc (regulates immune function, helps memory and learning and also heals wounds), as well as protein, fiber, vitamins A, C, E and K, thiamine (maintains healthy nervous system and heart function), folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosorus and potassium- its not called a super food for nothing! Lemon is high in antioxidants such as vitamin C which is incredible important for flu season, it also supports digestion.

Ingredients

8 cups (250g) spinach

2 lemons

½ cucumber

1 pear

2 granny smith apples

MethodBlend or juice all ingredients together on high. Add a splash of natural sweetener like stevia if you want to tame the sour/lemon flavour a bit.